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Matta's letter hailed
Matta's decision to send a formal "opt out" letter to his four high school recruits was widely hailed as a brilliant move in recruiting circles. The letter, signed by Matta, Ohio State's athletic director and the university president, said Matta would grant the players a release from their letter of intent if potential NCAA sanctions keep the Buckeyes out of the NCAA Tournament once the players are scheduled to be in college.The early signing period runs through Wednesday. Players who don't sign now must wait until the spring signing period (April 12-May 17). Only a signed letter of intent formally bars other colleges from recruiting players, even ones who have made oral commitments.By sending the letter, Matta gets his recruits to sign now, and keeps other coaches from trying to swoop in on Oden, Conley and the rest of the heralded class.The NCAA infractions committee meets Dec. 9-10 and will announce penalties after that. If the penalties don't involve a postseason ban for the 2007 NCAA Tournament, the side agreement is a moot point, the letter of intent stands and all of Ohio State's recruits are secure.